Concealed Carry State Laws In West Virginia

Concealed carry laws, or CCW’s, in West Virginia refers to the legally issued permit which allows for the carrying of a handgun or other weapon in a concealed manner within any place open to the general public.

Not all weapons that fall under concealed carry state laws in West Virginia are lethal, there are some states that regulate non-lethal items such a pepper spray that are carried over a set volume requiring the obtaining of a CCW permit. (In some states non-lethal items require a separate permit)

Every State's Concealed Carry Laws Are Unique In West Virginia

While in West Virginia there is no current federal law that specifically address the issuance of concealed carry permits for private citizens as each state is responsible for the control of concealed carry permits within its sovereign borders. All 50 states have passed laws allowing their respective residents to carry certain concealed firearms in public, either without a permit or after obtaining a permit from their local Sheriff’s office or Chief of police.

In all states and in West Virginia the only federal law concerning CCW’s is the Peace Officer Safety Act of 2004, (H.R. 218) to lean about this and all other states Concealed Carry Laws see our database on our website US Precision Defense where we maintain a comprehensive listing of every States weapons laws.

Article 3, Section 22 of The West Virginia State Constitutional Provision states: A person has the right to keep and bear arms for the defense of self, family, home, and state, and for lawful hunting and recreational use….

To obtain a concealed carry license in West Virginia: The West Virginia State Police has made available online the current uniform application form that has been prescribed by the Superintendent of the State Police and which WV Code § 61-7-4 and requires all sheriff’s offices to use. A person intending to apply for a concealed handgun license will need to print and complete the application form, have it signed and notarized, once notarized file the application together with a copy of the applicant's driver's license, a copy of the applicant's proof of training or existing concealed carry license.

The terms of reciprocity agreements allow West Virginia residents with concealed handgun licensees to carry concealed handguns in the reciprocal states. It is important for license holders to understand that when they are traveling in or through another state, the license holder is subject to the firearm laws of that particular state.

West Virginia preempts local regulation of several aspects of firearms, though local regulations which were in effect prior to 1999 were grandfathered into law Further, State agencies and institutions are not precluded from enacting laws which regulate firearms. Charleston, Dunbar, and South Charleston are known to have grandfathered local ordinances which prohibit weapons on city property and in city buildings. The City of Martinsburg is known to have a local ordinance that was passed after 1999, which prohibits weapons in city buildings, that was not grandfathered into law.

US Precision Defense has one of if not the largest websites dedicated to concealed carry and second amendment rights, we have a women’s only section, members only benefits, forums, blogs, and a free directory of firearms instructors, shooting ranges, and gun smiths. For more details go to our “home” page and see for yourself!

Concealed weapons permits may only be issued for pistols or revolvers. Each applicant shall file with the sheriff a complete application, as prepared by the Superintendent of the West Virginia State Police, in writing, duly verified.

West Virginia has a self-defense law based on the castle doctrine, and is a “stand your ground” state, meaning persons under attack do not have a duty to retreat before using physical or deadly force to protect themselves.

West Virginia is a traditional open carry state but there are some grandfathered local open carry bans not preempted by state law, such as the City of Charleston. There is complete state preemption of all firearms laws, but any local laws passed before preemption remains in effect.

As Congress begins its discussion of proposed gun control legislation, some West Virginia sheriffs have declared they will not enforce any laws they believe violate the Second Amendment. Boone County Sheriff Randall White on Monday wrote a letter to President Barack Obama. "It is with all due respect," White wrote. "I wish to inform you that so long as I am sheriff of this county, I will not, nor shall I ever support any alterations to the Constitution of the United States or any of its amendments, specifically the right to bear arms."

Raleigh County Sheriff Steve Tanner stated he would not enforce any gun laws passed by Congress. Sheriff Tanner further stated he is charged to defend "the entire Constitution, including the Second Amendment." "It's incredibly stupid for anyone to assume that society has become so advanced you no longer have the need or the responsibility to protect yourself or your family,"

2013; The West Virginia Sheriff's Association, which represents all 55 sheriff's departments in the state, has yet to take an official stance on the debate in Washington over gun violence and newly proposed measures.

2013; West Virginia is home to at least four firearm related companies and they include; Douglas Barrels Inc, Msm Inc(Mountain State Manufacturing), Ultra-Light Arms (New Ultra-Light Arms), and W E Rayle Inc.

US Precision Defense maintains a complete list of all states reciprocity agreements, and deadly force laws also for every state, we have links to self-defense insurance, much more, please go to our “home” page to see all of our features.

U.S. Precision Defense assumes no liability and is not responsible for the actions of its members or readers of this website. The materials provided here are the opinions of the authors, are intended solely for education purposes, and should not be relied on for legal or professional advice. Laws relating to firearms and the use of deadly force vary from state to state, and each individual is responsible for compliance with the laws of each jurisdiction. If legal or other professional advice is needed, consult a lawyer or other professionals. All materials on this website are copyrighted to U.S. Precision Defense and may not be republished without permission from U.S. Precision Defense.